Royal Heirs Required

The Sherdana Royals #1

by Cat Schield

A prince's surprise twins may turn his royal marriage into something more…

Prince Gabriel Alessandro's top priority is continuing the family line, and he's found the perfect bride-to-be in Lady Olivia Darcy. While their royal marriage is not based on love, he desires her. Making a baby together will be pure pleasure. Then Gabriel learns he is already a father…to twins.

Olivia surprises Gabriel with her acceptance of his motherless girls, making him believe their loveless union could blossom into something more. But Olivia's agreement conceals a devastating secret. In danger of losing the dynasty he so desires, will he risk choosing love over duty?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Category Romance, Harlequin Desire, Royalty, Hqn

169 pages, Nook

First published March 1, 2015

About the author

Cat Schield lives in Minnesota with her daughter, Emily, their Burmese cats and a Doberman puppy. Winner of the Romance Writers of America 2010 Golden Heart® for series contemporary romance, when she’s not writing sexy, romantic stories for Harlequin Desire, she can be found sailing with friends on the St. Croix River or more exotic locales like the Caribbean and Europe. Contact her at www.catschield.net.

Reviews

[Geri Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 touching stars!

I've been reading quite a lot of books with an MOC trope lately, and this book is one of the better ones I've read.

Prince Gabriel Alessandro is the crown prince of Sherdana. He is expected to marry not for love but for duty. His intended bride is Lady Olivia Darcy. To Gabriel, she is the perfect queen and mother to be. But there are some hiccups along the way. Gabriel's old lover died and left him with two-year old twins. Not only that, Olivia is keeping secrets as well.

At first, I wasn't quite sure about the chemistry between Olivia and Gabriel. I was a bit worried especially when Gabriel's old lover dropped a bomb on him. I'm not fond of books where the hero is pining for another woman. But slowly but surely, their relationship started gaining steam and we get to witness Gabe starting to fall slowly but surely in love with Olivia. I loved how he protected her from the press and how he stood by her.

Olivia for her part came off as too saintly for the most part. I mean, she eagerly accepted another woman's children. But her character got better -- more well rounded as the story progressed and I understood why she was accepting of Gabriel's kids. On the outside, she was the perfect queen to be but in reality, she couldn't be more wrong for Gabriel. I won't divulge the details why but Olivia's struggle made me tear up a little bit.

But the best part of the book for me was probably towards the end when Gabriel sets out to prove that he loves Olivia not for the heirs that she could provide but love her for who she is. Oh gosh, Gabriel's gesture made me swoon. I could totally say it's one of the most romantic gestures I've read in a while. It was perfect. It proved once and for all that this two really fell in love with each other and it wasn't just a marriage of convenience to them.

ARC provided by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. As crown prince, it was time for Gabriel to marry and provide some heirs for the royal family. He selected Lady Olivia for two reasons. First, she has the pedigree, the sophistication, and also the kindness of heart to be the next queen. Second, her father is willing to open one of his factories in Sherdana, providing badly needed jobs. He's a little bitter about having to marry a stranger, but accepts it as necessary. Thanks to a failed relationship in his past, he isn't willing to fall in love, but the zing of attraction he feels for her gives him hope that there will be some pleasure to be found.

Then Gabriel is hit with a surprise. His ex-girlfriend has died and left him with custody of twin daughters he knew nothing about. He is somewhat concerned about the scandal, but more worried about how Olivia will react. He's amazed at how quickly and completely she accepts the little girls, which adds fuel to his hope for a successful marriage.

As a child Olivia had dreams of growing up to be a princess, but as a teen gave them up for the more realistic ones of simply having a husband and children of her own, and working with the children's charities that she loved. Marrying Gabriel is a combination of those dreams, but they haven't really spent any time together to get to know each other. I loved seeing her confront him and more or less force him to see her as the woman she was. It was great to see him start to realize that there was more to her than he had expected.

When she accidentally stumbles on the little girls, she takes to them immediately. I loved her first encounter with them and the protectiveness that she felt for them. I really liked the way that she supported Gabriel's intent to make their existence public. I really enjoyed the way the girls brought them closer together.

As they spent more time together, the attraction that they felt for each other grew stronger. Gabriel continued to try to convince himself that what he felt was only physical, but it was getting harder to do so. Olivia was also falling in love with him, but she has a health crisis that could end her dreams completely. A confrontation with Gabriel has them both exchanging harsh words, and their future looks impossible. I loved seeing both of them face their issues and decide what was more important to them. Gabriel's big moment was sweet and romantic and just what Olivia needed.

I liked the realism of the way Olivia's problem was portrayed and dealt with. I am looking forward to the other books in this series and hope that they will include updates on how she and Gabriel are doing. I also liked the two little girls, who were quite adorable. Their behavior was also pretty true to their age.

[Paula Legate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I've read this book, and the second book (A royal baby surprise) , and can't wait to read what comes next.

Gabriel is a prince to the small country of Shadana. He is a triplet, but has always carried all the responsibility. He is set to take the throne. In order to do so, he has to marry someone that can give him a male heir. In order for his child to be eligible to take the throne, the constitution required that the mother had to be either a Sheranda citizen or a member of Europe's aristocracy.

Gabriel has made his choice. He was set to marry Olivia. It was suppose to be more like a business arrangement. He was shocked to feel the chemistry that simmered between him, and Olivia.
The romance in this story just melted me into a puddle. It was so sweet. The book also had suspense. Someone was out to scare, or harm Olivia. She didn't want to express her worries. She was not one to over react. This turned out to be very bad, when she was almost attacked.
I feel in love with Gabriel's twin daughters. Bethany, and Karina were 2 years old, and filled with energy, and hugs. I laughed that the girls wanted ice cream for breakfast. The instant bond between the girls and Olivia was endearing. She was protective of the girls the first moment she met them. I loved the way she had the nanny fired before she even knew who the parents were.

My heart went out to Olivia with her medical problems. Olivia has fought with endometriosis for years. She had surgery, and hoped that part of her life was over. When she stopped taking her birth control, she had the most painful periods. She worried that she would not be able to have Gabriel's children. When faced with the worst, I was touched on how the couple faced it. Hard choices had to be made. Will Gabriel chose his country, or the one lady that stole his heart? He was pulled in two different directions. You will just have to read to find out.

This book was a really great book to read. it is going on my list of favorite books.

[May ّمي · Rating 3 out of 5]

Low 3's

A simple book moves with incredible speed. Has some plot holes. Satisfy a quick read.

Hero is a prince who is going into an arranged marriage with an English Lady rose. He doesn't feel a connection with his betrothed, yet for the sake of himself and his country, he will marry her.


There are many things that are hard to believe such as
1- Everything in those royals' life gets known pretty quickly, "No secrets in the Palace". Given real royal life, there are plenty of secrets in the palace that remains secrets.

2- I realize that not everyone has a medical degree, but every palace has an army of doctors who can look into the health of their employers and provide the necessary medical information for them. It's hard to believe that Olivia wasn't thoroughly examined pre-marriage and it's hard to believe that with the hysterectomy they weren't aware that she still maintained her ovaries and can still provide children via surrogacy.

3- How Hero and Heroine relationship changed quickly. For 5 months they were almost strangers then one night they started talking in a provocative way and they suddenly started to know one another and can't live without each other. Howe about the reveal at the end where he knew her 7 years ago and in his subconscious that's why he chose her!

4- The evil maid who switched presents, found out secrets and terrorized the heroine and then wasn't found. Is that how the future princess who lives outside the royal family wings is monitored. She has no security guard watching over her?

[Kellcifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The solution to their problem was sort of a "duh" moment—like, why did someone else have to tell you this is possible?

[Monica Cardoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

An arranged marriage can it that blossom into love……

When I read the synopsis of this book I knew I needed to read it and now that I have I’m so glad. I love reading romance stories especially when there is a scandal going on and this one had that. Then this being the first installment in the Sherdana Royals it was even better because I didn’t need to catch up with the royal family.

Prince Gabriel Alessandro has selected his bride but he really hasn’t had time to get to know Lady Olivia Darcy. This is a business marriage but can it be something more. They really haven’t had time together, to get to know each other when the first bomb hits. The royal family was hosting a celebration at the palace when an attorney showed him letting Prince Gabriel know that he had twin girls. I love that this happened at the very beginning of the story so I could see not only the father interact with his daughters but also Lady Olivia. Prince Gabriel is attracted to the future princess but he knows that he can’t have any feelings for her because of how bad his last relationship ended. Now here he is having his romance with his daughter’s mother broadcasted all over Sherdana.

Lady Olivia cares for the twins from the moment that she met them and now she will stand behind her future husband in coming out and telling his country about his daughters. Lady Olivia and Prince Gabriel’s relationship is developing very nicely and they have actually gotten very close and they share passionate night together. Only that someone is happening in the palace someone is leaking private information and Prince Gabriel wants to know who is doing this. Lady Olivia has not told Prince Gabriel her secret and she notices that maybe someone had tampered with the place where she had her documents. It is only a matter of time before everything comes crashing down. Will they be able to marry and live happily ever after? Who is the person that is leaking this information within the palace?

Royal Heirs Required was an excellent read that I enjoyed immensely. The characters are extremely well written as well as the storyline. The writing was vivid, passionate and emotional. I can’t wait to see what is in store with his other brothers especially Christian. Oh and did I mention he is a triplet, wow.

I totally recommend this read!!!

Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review

[LadyTechie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of Royal Heirs Required through NetGalley. It is a great story about an arranged marriage between a prince, Gabriel, who is the heir to the thrown and Lady Olivia. This is a great story that depicts how the rules of marriage for Prince Gabriel's royal family have a controlling factor in who they marry. The Sherdana law requires that the heir must marry someone who is royal and is able to have children. Prince Gabriel had a long-term affair with a French citizen, with whom he unknowingly fathered twins several years before his engagement to Olivia. He finds out one month before the wedding and fears that this news will cause Olivia to cancel the wedding, especially since the marriage is required before Olivia's father will build a plant on Sherdana that badly needs the jobs for its citizens. Olivia also has a secret that threatens the marriage. It turns out that Olivia is a wonderfully giving person and accepts the twins and still plans to move forward with the wedding but her secret is still something that threatens their marriage.

One of the great things about Olivia and Gabriel is that they have chemistry. It could be that this chemistry can grow into more if Olivia's secret does not derail their upcoming marriage despite her acceptance of Gabriel's secret, the twins. It was a wonderful experience watching Olivia and Gabriel go from not spending more than 5 minutes with each other to growing into what could possibly be love, even if neither of them realizes it. Another fun part of the story is the interaction between Gabriel and one of his fellow triplet brothers, Christian, who supports Gabriel's upcoming marriage though he is very anti-marriage for himself. He is hilarious in his comments about keeping himself as far away from the crown as possible because he has no desire to marry. We do not get to meet Nick in this book, who resides in the U.S. As we see Gabriel and Olivia's story unfold and hope that they find a way through the secrets I can't help but hope that we see what happens to Christian and Nick.

[Judyrudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal Heirs Required is Cat Schield’s contribution to Harlequin Desire’s Billionaires and Babes series. From the moment I started the book, I was fully engaged in the story line. Yes, the premise is one that I’ve read over and over again, but the way Ms. Schield told the story I felt as though it was the first time reading a story of an arranged marriage. Prince Gabriel Alessandro is the crown prince of Sherdana. He is expected to marry and carry on the royal lineage. Lady Olivia Darby is the daughter of a British Earl whose mother died during her childbirth. She was the perfect daughter who never got into trouble and one who knew how to hide her emotions well. Gabriel is surprised when he is informed he has twin girls from a previous girlfriend who has died and left them in his care. Olivia immediately is drawn to the twins. Slowly, Gabriel and Olivia start to forge a relationship. Then out of the blue, royal secrets are being leaked to the media. In fact one, dealing with Olivia, ends up having dire consequences. Can Gabriel and Olivia weave their way through the exposed secrets and find a happily ever after? Royal Heirs Required was a heartwarming story of two people finding love the hard way. They don’t let the past or secrets keep them from finding what their hearts desire. I have to say that I think this is the best book that I’ve read out of the Desire line in quite a while. I highly recommend Royal Heirs Required. I’d like to disclose that I received a copy of Royal Heirs Required in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.

My Thoughts:

Now this is a story! I loved seeing a story with unexpected twists in it, not only what's mentioned in the synopsis, but also throughout the book itself.

Gabriel chooses Olivia to become his bride and provide him with an heir. Their chemistry is apparent and everything seems to be going well. Then he finds out about his twin daughters and it could easily create a problem, but Olivia is amazing and accepts them without hesitation. Gabriel and Olivia have something happening between them that's blossoming into more than either of them expected going into this union. However, Olivia's secret could be the one turning point that could derail everything. Is it possible for them to move past it? Can what they feel for each other mean more than anything else?

Royal Heirs Required was a typical yet unexpected love story. Despite the speedbumps, you can feel the possibility of love leap off the page for Olivia and Gabriel. It was an honest and lovely journey. I really enjoyed this book by Cat Shield and would love to see what else she has to offer.

My Rating: Very Good

[Marie Stuck In A Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Royal Heirs Required by Cat Schield tells the story of Prince Gabriel Alessandro and his fiancé, Lady Olivia Darcy. Gabriel has found the perfect potential royal wife, because he needs to do as any good royal and ensure their line continues. The only thing that can potentially ruin this relationship is the discovery that Gabriel already has twin daughters.

This was a great story about love that evolved between two friends who became so much more. Olivia was great, and her willingness and the strength needed to become the mother these two little girls so desperately needed was admirable. Gabriel was another one who grew on me, because he was able to see himself beyond just being the spoiled royal. This story also touched on a surprisingly personal issue with grace, and made for an excellent story. Good, fun read, and I would highly recommend it as a quick story to curl up with one afternoon.

[Mariana Bezerra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do adore romances with babies, the couples are usually more normal and very sweet with the family around and we get a different sense from the story. This time was not different and I adored those twin girls, but I also got the feeling the more important person in this plot was Olivia. She was super understanding and made everyone think more about what was really missing in the castle.

I liked Gabriel and don't blame him for anything that happened in the past, but he suffered just like anyone else and his position made things hard for him, but I liked the way he chose to embrace the new reality and how he treated Olivia. He's a really nice guy.

I adore this first book on the series and this family can be a real charmer, so I can't wait for the next book.

[Viktoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually better than I’ve thought it would be. I like the royal arranged marriage trope, and this delivered on that. I appreciate the very real problem of endometriosis addressed here but there were inconsistencies throughout that could have been easily avoided.
Taking the fact that this is a Harlequin Desire title, it delivered much better than I’ve anticipated - the heroine being a 25+ virgin was handled very very well.

[Darlene Otet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed that! A nice feel good romance, that was easy to read. Not all predictable, enough ups and downs to make it interesting and emotional enough to bring on some tears.

[Sharm · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7

[LoveRomance · Rating 3 out of 5]

This first book in this series is so sweet, but the following two just land flat and boring.

[thebloggerandthegeek · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion this series would not have worked without this couple as the base of the family. Olivia’s and Gabriel’s romance was at first for both parties’ convenience, it would help them both. There was no love in this arrangement or that’s before we see how they first met and we know this will love will click immediately. Olivia is witty, intelligent and elegant, she’s the perfect bride, the princess and future queen. I loved Olivia, she was easy to love and understand, her mind was easy to understand and her love for Gabriel sweet. And Gabriel was also a great character, he’s the oldest child and since he was young he knew his responsibilities, he knew love would not be part of his life, first came his country and his people. Now, I don’t mean he’s a martyr or anything, specially not when we see his love for his former lover and mother of his illegitimately children. His children come as a surprise to everyone really but it was sweet how Olivia was there for him, even when she was full of doubts she stayed. I don’t really want to say much because then what the surprise if you choose to pick this one up!? Give it a change, this love was bold and strong and the ending was just as sweet.

[Jess O. (From Jess to You) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"4 out of 5 stars. Chosen out of necessity and not because of love, will Olivia be able to become the princess that Gabriel needs her to be or will her one secret get in the way?

This novel threw me for a loop in the best way possible! I expected the twins coming into Gabriel’s life. I guessed correctly, what Olivia’s secret would be. However, I never anticipated the touching depths this novel would have and the heartwarming ways that Gabriel made up for the callous things he said to Olivia."

Read more of this review and TWO teasers here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/02/feasted-on-billionaires-and-babies.html (Will be posted on my blog on February 1, 2015)

Find out more about my blog here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/

[Brooke (i blog 4 books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit, the cover sucked me in. I typically steer away from this type of romance novel (meaning, with a bit more description/detail about the romance), but the cover couldn't be denied. ;)

The story itself was excellent, and I really enjoyed a bit of a twist on a marriage of convenience plot. I appreciated the emotions that were center stage for both the male and female lead.

This book is part of the Harlequin Desire line, so there were a few scenes that I skipped over. Other than that, though, I really enjoyed the book.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Sarah Covington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aside from having a unique and fascinating plot, this book brought about a wealth of emotions. I laughed as the twins experienced new things and made toddler demands; I was heartwarmed when reading about the beautiful intimate moments when both characters realized they may have feelings for their arranged spouses; and I cried when they experiences a heart wrenching tragedy that threatened to tear they relationship apart. This is a great beach read for the summer, filled with the story of a royal family confronted with the need to find a suitable arranged marriage for their heir and all of the events that go along with such an experience. I would highly recommend this story to romance fans!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author via Free Book Friday.

What a sweet story this was. One full of emotion to keep those pages turning. Prince Gabriel Alessandro is in line to become the king of Sherdana. He is expected to be married and produce an heir to the throne. A marriage has been arranged to Lady Olivia Darcy. Along with the marriage Olivia's father is to bring some much needed business to Sherdana.

It doesn't take long for strong feelings to develop between Gabriel and Olivia. Many obstacles are put in their paths but with time they manage to work through them....or do they?

Pick up this book for a great read and find out how their relationship progresses.

[Bookabulary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh, this was a great, surprising read. Refreshing, too!

I am always happy to get my hands on modern royal romances and this time was no different. Geez, I felt giddy at the thought that the prince did fall in love with his intended bride even if theirs was going to be an arranged marriage. Even with the appearance of the twins, the prince didn't have to fall in love with a nanny or an aunt. This had a great story with even greater characters. Well-written indeed. And that ending though. Whew!

[kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable book! Even with the constraints of the category length, the pacing is fabulous and I completely fell for these folks immediately. The drama was realistic and the door is left open to get to know other characters. I am in on this European principality and it's drama. Thanks to the author for this lovely wee world.

Virgin heroine to experience hero alert, by the way, so if that's your catnip, get on this.

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the synopsis about this book and was curious. Now having read it, I was surprised by how much I loved it.

It was written well. I felt the connection between the hero and heroine. It takes you behind the scenes in a monarchy and shows you what people will sacrifice for love. I can't wait to read the other books about the two other Princes.

[Harlequin Books]

"This is a wonderful start to a romantic new series, and Gabriel’s efforts to convince Olivia that he does not have lingering feelings for Marissa are extremely sexy. The surprise fairy tale-style twist of how they met will have readers sighing with happiness!" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars TOP PICK!)

Miniseries: Billionaires and Babies

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriel and Olivia's story was an emotional read. I found myself feeling for both characters. Olivia's despair cried out to you from the page with such raw emotion it was heartbreaking. Cat Schield is an author that I read regularly. A very good book. If looking for an emotional journey this is the book for you.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this old fashioned Harlequin when royalty has a marriage arranged for them and they fall in love. This one has a twist with 2 year old twins showing up before the wedding. Gabriel and Olivia are wonderful characters and with two brothers and a sister still unmarried, there are 3 great chances for more books. An enjoyable light read that has a little spice.

[Mem · Rating 5 out of 5]

D. Jun2015. Prince Gabriel will become king soon and he has chosen the woman he will marry and make her his queen. Gabriel discovers he has twin daughter he's just found out about. Lady Olivia Darcy surprises him when she welcomes his daughters. Their relationship has a rough spots and anything could tear them apart.

[Lisa Gemmell · Rating 3 out of 5]

very enjoyable, I was a little disappointed on how it ended. There was some things that I wished that the author changed and for me there was somethings in the story that was missing and rushed.

Can't win them all.

[Cynthia Kayser Cosgrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to read about the rest of the family.

[Steph N · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this because my judgment was compromised from long term sleep deprivation.

In short, I blame the baby. Nuff said.